If you thought Marvel or DC were the only ones who could conceivably have a monopoly on the cinematic universe game (or in the case of anything Thor-related, multiverse game), think again: the toy company Hasbro is teaming up with Paramount Studios to create a cinematic universe for some of its brand names, including everyone's favorite toy soldier, G.I. Joe, which has already seen two film adaptations.
The Hasbro cinematic universe will also include brands like Micronauts, Visionairies, M.A.S.K. (Mobile Armored Strike Kommand) and ROM.
A deal between Paramount and Allspark Picture's, Hasbro's studio film label, was announced on Dec. 15. The deal is a continuation of the partnership they struck for the Michael Bay-helmed Transformers franchise, which released movies in 2007, 2009, 2011 and 2014. The next installment, Transformers 5, is scheduled for 2017.
Both Hasbro/Allspark and Paramount hope to repeat the success of their first franchise collaboration, which raked in roughly $3.8 billion worldwide.
Paramount's first two G.I. Joe movies, released in 2009 and 2013, respectively, have grossed $675 million globally.
"Paramount and Hasbro have had a longstanding relationship and we're proud of the success we've enjoyed on the Transformers and G.I. Joe franchises," said Paramount CEO and chairman Brad Grey in a statement lauding the continued business partnership. "We're excited to grow our agreement and make even more movies based upon these popular and powerful Hasbro characters and their worlds."
"Hasbro and Allspark Pictures put storytelling at the center of everything that we do. These brands are filled with memorable stories and vivid characters, and this universe creates a framework for how they will become interconnected," added Brian Goldner, Hasbro CEO, president and chairman. "Extending our partnership with Paramount allows us to continue our long-term strategy and overall vision to build dynamic worlds for all of our brands, and we are thrilled to collaborate with them as we develop these properties."
For a bit of nostalgic fun, check out one of of G.I. Joe's classic PSAs from the 1980s in the clip below.
